Photo Challenge

Close Up

This week, discover the hidden details that can only be seen up close.

Dragonfly resting on a branch in Ubud, Bali. Photo by Brie Anne Demkiw.

While visiting Bali a few years ago, I found myself at the edge of a rice paddy, shooting landscapes of the crystal-clear cloud reflections in the water between the rice stalks.

Just as I was turning to leave, a small dragonfly landed on a nearby branch.

In contrast to the vast expanse of the rice fields, this tiny, exotic creature was mesmerizing. Through my lens, I could see all the little details visible only from up close: the spines on its legs, the delicate translucence of its wings, and the texture and colors of its eyes.

Dragonfly resting on a branch in Ubud, Bali. Photo by Brie Anne Demkiw.

Dragonfly resting on a branch in Ubud, Bali. Photo by Brie Anne Demkiw.

Macro photography allows us to see the world in a new light. Some of the best macro subjects may appear mundane at first — things you’d normally pass by without giving a second glance — but get just a little closer and there’s often a hidden beauty to be discovered.

So this week, get up close and personal with your subject — whether it’s the pollen on a newly bloomed flower, rust on an old fence, or water droplets left by a storm — and capture those tiny, fascinating details that might go unnoticed.

Macro photography tips

  • You don’t need special equipment to get a great close up shot — any camera can do macro photography. This photo was taken with a simple point-and-shoot, and iPhones also work great for capturing detail.
  • Try going abstract. Play around with how shapes, colors, and textures change as you get closer to your subject.
  • Experiment with ordinary objects from around your house. Bring them outside on a cloudy day for even better lighting.
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  2. Close up and zoom in… Great, I’ve just done a couple of close up’s and zoom in’s of the sample of ‘postcard from Ireland’ Have a great Friday and weekend as well 🙂

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  24. Is there a blogging etiquette on ‘Weekly Photo Challenge’ Is it acceptable to post more than one response to a Challenge. I don’t mean put more than one photo in a single post but rather post multiple responses. Or is it etiquette to just post one response?

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  27. Macro’s are both therapeutic and challenging. I’ve been caught lying flat on my belly trying to get the underside of a mushroom. Yep, caught by a group of stranger… embarrassing fun… all in the attempt of getting the perfect close-up! 😉

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